JPL 2016-2017

This is the page for the u17s competing in the Junior Premier League for 2017-2018Check out the News page/link to keep up to date

Meet the Team below- as used in the OFA Cup Final Programme:

Ben Owen (Goal Keeper) – has made the position his own having joined this season and is improving his handling, positioning and distribution continuously with weekly coaching sessions at the club. Gaining confidence in his role all the time.

Archie Littlewood (Right Back) – solid and uncompromising defender who does his job by defending first and attacking second. Supports his midfield colleague well and has been known to overlap on the odd occasion!

Jack Dark (Left Back) – started as an attacking player but gradually adjusted to the responsibilities of a defender, still loves to get forward and get quality crosses into the box or go on jinking runs. Gets better as a defender after each and every game he plays.

Tom Griffiths (Centre Back) – captain of the team and leads by example. Has a great partnership and understanding with his defence and drives the team on throughout matches. Wins more than his fair share of headers and is dangerous in the opposition box for corners

Abu Yillah (Centre Back) – without doubt our most consistent player. Calm and unflustered every game. Strong, solid and quick defender. Getting better at reading the game and getting into position in good time. Has finally started bringing the ball out of defence into midfield to start attacks.

Moin Dogar (Centre Back) – very calm new addition to the squad. Reads the game very well meaning he’s in position before the danger is even seen by other players. Confident and able to stride into midfield with the ball or make the correct pass

Tom Rolfe (Right Midfield) – very quick attacking player who with his close control and pace causes opposition players all sorts of problems. Always an outlet and can run all day long. Should score more goals than he does for the positions he gets into, that’ll come though

Ben Stewart (Left Midfield) – our dead ball specialist! Has a sweet left foot that can put the ball almost wherever he wants it to go. Dangerous corners and free kicks every time but also in open play he loves getting forward and put in teasing crosses that are begging to be buried by the forwards

Alex MacBryan (Centre Midfield) – a hustling and energetic player who works very hard for the team both defensively and in attack, a typical box to box player where he breaks down attacks and is then seen firing in 25 yard shots on the opposition goal. Another good distributor of a long pass if required

Isaac Shenton (Centre Midfield) – very elegant player who seems to glide across the turf. Always wants the ball and uses it well, loves to play in tight and congested areas where others would struggle. Looks to play give and go balls and supporting the front players as much as possible

Harley Firkin (Centre Midfield) – another player who relishes playing in tight areas with minimal space. Always busy and on the move and isn’t frightened to put in a tackle when required. Distributes longer passes well.

Naseer El-Hosney (Centre Midfield) – surprisingly strong and tenacious for his diminutive stature. Plays everything very simple and is hard to get the ball off once it’s at his feet. Always shows for his team-mates and is very comfortable anywhere on the pitch

Harley Giles (Centre Midfield) – very classy player who combines quick feet, strong tackling and an eye for a pass. Has excellent technical ability and seldom gives the ball away. Reads situations quickly and correctly to either keep or regain possession

Will Jeffrey (Centre Forward) – our target man who makes sure the ball sticks to him once it’s fired into his chest or feet. Very intelligent player who sees, and more importantly, makes the killer pass and does it with ease. Usually scores when given half the chance

Piers Walton (Centre Forward) – a very direct, quick and physical player which complements his partner’s abilities. Will run and work tirelessly for the team and is not intimidated by any player wanting to have a physical battle, in fact he seems to relish the challenge that presents

Noah Alabi (Attacker/Midfield) - very talented and skilful player, will beat his opposite player and then beat him twice more for good measure. Catches the eye immediately and when in the mood is literally unplayable. Very exciting prospect who could (should) be playing at a higher level

Jonah Clarke (Centre Forward) – very, very quick player who loves nothing more than to chase a through ball and create a one-on-one opportunity with the keeper which he then expects to finish. Unfortunately, injury has robbed him of most of the season.

Julian Dark (Manager) – has been involved managing or coaching boys football teams for 14 years and is trying to share his knowledge & experience gained from over 750 appearances for non-league teams Thame Utd, Banbury Utd, Abingdon Town & Oxford City. He tries to look for the positives in every performance and encourage players to learn positioning, communication and